Cranberry Orange Delight

$- 2 cups fresh cranberries, thoroughly rinsed - 1 large orange, zested and juiced - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) - 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional) Cranberry orange relish is bright and tasty. The fresh cranberries give it a tart kick. The orange zest and juice add sweetness and freshness. I love using ground cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth. You can add nuts for crunch and dried cranberries for extra texture. This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for any meal. When you gather your ingredients, wash the cranberries well. Make sure they are fresh. Look for ones that are firm and shiny. The orange should be juicy and fragrant. Zest it gently, avoiding the white pith. It can be bitter. This relish is fun to make. You can mix and match the nuts and dried fruit. Each change brings a new flavor. Enjoy creating your own version! {{ingredient_image_2}} - First, grab a medium-sized saucepan. - Combine 2 cups of fresh cranberries, the juice of 1 large orange, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. - Mix well to coat the cranberries in sugar. - Place the saucepan on medium heat. - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally. - Cook for about 10 minutes, or until most cranberries burst open. - Once the mixture thickens, remove it from the heat. - Let it cool slightly at room temperature. - Now, stir in the zest of the orange, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. - Mix until all the spices blend into the relish. - If you want, fold in optional ingredients like 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts and 1/4 cup of dried cranberries. - Transfer your relish to a decorative serving bowl. - Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating. - For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill for at least 2 hours. To make your cranberry orange relish pop, layer flavors well. Start with fresh cranberries and fresh orange juice. Always taste as you go. Add spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to boost warmth. For a crunchy twist, mix in chopped pecans or walnuts. This gives a nice texture and fun bite. If you like sweet, adjust sugar to your taste. Cranberry orange relish pairs well with turkey and ham. It can also brighten up simple meals. Serve it over cream cheese on crackers for a quick snack. For gatherings, present it in a clear bowl. This lets the bright colors shine. Add a mint sprig or orange slice on top for flair. Store your cranberry orange relish in a tight, sealed container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze it. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you're ready to use it. Pro Tips Fresh Cranberries are Key: Always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using canned cranberries as they can be overly sweet and mushy. Adjust Sugar to Taste: Depending on the sweetness of your orange and personal preference, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe. Chill for Best Flavor: Allow the relish to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like ginger or allspice to give your relish a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can change the sugar in the recipe. Try using honey or maple syrup. They add a nice flavor. If you prefer nuts, you can swap pecans for almonds or leave them out. Adding spices can also change the taste. Consider using ginger for a warm kick or cardamom for a sweet note. If you want to make this relish vegan, simply make sure to use maple syrup instead of sugar. This way, you keep it sweet without using animal products. For a sugar-free option, try a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. If gluten is a concern, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Serve it with gluten-free dishes for a safe choice. You can mix in seasonal fruits like apples or pears. They add a fun twist to the flavor and texture. For holidays beyond Thanksgiving, consider using spices like allspice or clove for a festive touch. Adding a splash of cranberry juice or a hint of lemon can also brighten the dish for year-round enjoyment. Each serving of cranberry orange relish has about 80 calories. This dish offers a mix of vitamins and minerals. Cranberries are rich in vitamin C and fiber, while oranges boost your intake of folate and potassium. Both fruits also have antioxidants, which can help fight disease. This relish fits many dietary needs. It is naturally low in fat and can be low-sugar if you adjust the sugar amount. It is nut-free unless you choose to add nuts. If you prefer a vegan option, just skip the sugar or use a sugar substitute. Ingredients like cranberries and oranges promote good health. They help keep your heart strong and your immune system working well. You can store cranberry orange relish in the fridge for up to two weeks. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. They work well in this recipe. Just rinse them before use. Frozen cranberries may need a few more minutes to cook down. Cranberry orange relish is quite healthy. Cranberries are full of vitamins and antioxidants. Oranges add vitamin C and fiber. The sugar can be reduced for a lighter option. Cranberry orange relish pairs well with meats like turkey or chicken. It also works great on sandwiches or with cheeses. Use it to add a zesty touch to your meal. Yes, making this relish ahead of time is a great idea. It tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Make it the day before your event for the best flavor. You’ve learned how to make a vibrant cranberry orange relish. We covered all the ingredients, detailed step-by-step instructions, and shared useful tips. Remember, you can adjust flavors and even cater to different dietary needs. This relish is perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal. With its fresh taste and health benefits, it is a fantastic addition to your table. Enjoy creating your own version and share it with friends and family!$

Cranberry Orange Delight

A vibrant and flavorful relish made with fresh cranberries and orange, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 2 10

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cranberries, thoroughly rinsed
1 large orange, both zested and juiced
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed fresh cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, and granulated sugar. Mix well to ensure the sugar is distributed evenly among the cranberries.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow it to cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until you notice most cranberries have burst open, resulting in a thickened sauce.
Once the mixture thickens, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly at room temperature.
After cooling, stir in the orange zest, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix until all spices are evenly incorporated throughout the relish.
If desired, gently fold in the optional chopped pecans or walnuts and the dried cranberries for an additional layer of texture and taste.
Carefully transfer the relish into a decorative serving bowl. Let it cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating.
For the best flavor development, cover the bowl and refrigerate the cranberry orange delight for at least 2 hours prior to serving.

Notes

For the best flavor development, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Keyword cranberry, holiday, orange, relish, sauce